The visit to City didn’t turn out quite how I expected. It was entirely focused on City’s system for
promoting grass growth through the use of a portable lighting system. So we had a talk from
Lee Jackson (the Deputy Head Groundsman) followed by a chance to see the rig in action – on City’s
pitch (which is in great shape).

The system comes from Norway. It’s made by a company called MLR. The folding rig is made from aluminium for lightness and holds an array of 600Watt Sodium lamps. Lights are left in one place for up to 10 days, 20 hours per day, they provide both heat and light to encorage grass growth. Before and after pictures were very impressive.

Lee Jackson is Branch Secretary of the Manchester branch of the IOG – which now seems to be a thriving one. I spoke to him about fostering links between themselves and the CAG – he agrees that this could be beneficial.

Their next meeting is Tues Dec 12th starting at 2 pm at the Man City Stadium. This will involve presentations by people like Rigby Taylor, Campey, Scotts etc, a tour of the stadium and the chance to discuss the future of the IOG with Geoff Webb – the IOG Chief Exec. If you fancy that ring IOG on 01908 312 511 (you probably should be a member of IOG!)